THE EDITOR, Sir:POLITICIANS AND other leaders throughout the world seem unable to manage the disruptions within their nations. Furthermore, they are hard-pressed to handle their economies, and are often accused of corruption. It is so much easier to criticise their failures, and to avoid our own responsibilities in helping to build our nation. Constructive criticism is most helpful, but you and I should pray for our leaders.
Brian Haymes in his book, Looking at the Cross, says that: "Politicians and other leaders are only poor sinners, like the rest of us, struggling to do their best for the common good. The Cross has a word for them which is both critical and creative. Each day is a day to pray for ourselves and our leaders that we might make the right decisions."
St. Paul asks us to pray for those in authority for they are God's servants:
"For the same reasons you also pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, busy with this very thing. Pay to all what is due them taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honour to whom honour is due." (Romans 13:6-7) New Revised Standard Version.
The marks of the Christian should include prayer for those whom we appoint to lead our nation. Let us pray then for the local Councillors in our constituencies, our Members of Parliament for the members of Government, Leader of the Opposition and all world leaders.
"Lord, inspire our politicians to choose right priorities, end all bitterness, jealousies and divisions. Help all of them, Lord, to have special concern for the poor and the weak, to put an end to oppression and injustice, and to work for peace and human development. Give those who have power the humility and courage to use it in the service of all people.
"Give to each of us the will and the wisdom to share in making this nation and the world more like your Kingdom."
I am etc
BYRON K CHAMBERS
President
Jamaica Methodist District
